HomeMy Public PortalAbout2000_02_07
MINUTES
COUNCIL WORKSESSION February 7, 2000
Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:00 p.rn. Vice Mayor Webb presiding.
Councilmembers Present: Vice Mayor B. J. Webb, George F. Atwell, Mervin V. Jackson,
Leonard McDonald, Kristen C. Umstattd, and Robert Zoldos. Mayor Clem was absent for this
meeting.
Staff Members Present: Robert S. Noe, Town Manager, William E. Donnelly, Town Attorney,
Director of Engineering & Public Works Thomas A. Mason, Director of Parks and Recreation
Kaj Dentler, Assistant Town Manager for Economic Development John H. King, Director of
Planning and Zoning Michael E. Tompkins, Jerry Mucci, Stacy Rothfuss.
AGENDA ITEMS
1. Agenda for Council Meeting of Tuesday, February 8, 2000 - no comments.
2. Initiation of a Town Plan amendment for transportation element to define a
portion of Trailview Boulevard as a through collector - Planner Stacey Rothfuss
was present for this item. She advised that this amendment is essentially a scriber's
error that has been discovered in the Town Plan, but that it does need to be corrected.
In response to a question by Councilmember Umstattd, Ms. Rothfuss defined the
differences between through collectors and major arterials. There were no other
concerns and this matter was set for the next council meeting.
2. Expansion of flower basket program in downtown Leesburg - John King and Kaj
Dentler were present for presentation of this program to expand the scope of the
hanging flower baskets in downtown. Ms. Julie Glower was present representing the
downtown merchants and their contribution to this program. There was discussion
regarding the cost of the program. Councilmember Zoldos asked for the status of
agreements with the utility companies. Mr. Dentler stated that they have verbal
agreements, but that written agreements are being drawn. Mr. Dentler reminded the
Council that funding for the baskets in the immediate downtown have been funded in
the budget and that the request is only for additional baskets. It was pointed out that
if the project is to go forward, a decision needs to be made shortly in order to be able
to place the orders for the additional flowers. Councilmember McDonald pointed out
the concerns regarding a draught and the impossibility of keeping the baskets
blooming in such an event. He questioned if the requested funds could not be used
more efficiently. Councilmember Atwell questioned the need for an additional truck.
Mr. Dentler explained that it is necessary if the additional baskets are to be placed and
that the truck will be used for other duties as well.
A motion to send this forward for the next meeting was approved 5-1-1. Mr.
McDonald voting nay, Mayor Clem absent for the vote.
COUNCIL WORKSESSION MINUTES FOR 2/07/2000
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4. VDOT Six Year Construction Program - Tom Mason was present to review this
matter with the Council. He outlined the three urban projects and three primary
system projects and explained that a resolution is needed for the Town's request
to the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) for funding highway projects
in the VDOT Six-Year Plan. Councilmember Zoldos stated concerns for a need
to widen Route 15 south to 704, he confirmed that there is a planned pedestrian
trail included in the plans for the Route 15 widening project. Councilmember
Zoldos asked that the new Board of Supervisors be asked to review their policy
regarding the further widening of Route 15. Mr. Mason confirmed that there is an
asphalt trail in conjunction with the widening of Route 15 from Governor's Drive
to Virts Corner. Vice Mayor Webb emphasized the need for limited access on
Route 7 west of Leesburg and the need for sound barriers on the proposed
widened sections of the bypass, and the use of diamond interchange at Edwards
Ferry Road and the bypass and whether or not it is an adequate interchange. By a
unanimous vote with Mayor Clem absent, a resolution is to be on the next agenda,
with notations regarding a clarification of the County's position on widening
Route 15 south of town, noise barriers as part of the bypass improvements and a
parallel road/limited access plan for Route 7 and also implementation of limited
access for Route 7.
5. Charter review - Vice Mayor Webb pointed out that the current charter for the
Town calls for advice and consent from the Council for the hiring of a Police
Chief and pointed out that if the Council has confidence in the Town Manager for
hiring a police chief perhaps this language should be eliminated from the Charter,
pointing out that a charter change would take action in the general assembly.
Councilmember Jackson made this motion, seconded by Councilmember
Umstattd. Councilmember Atwell suggested that this would be an opportunity
Council to review the entire Charter for other necessary changes. Town Attorney
William Donnelly pointed out that this provision is also required for the position
of Director of Finance. Other members were in agreement. There was a
unanimous vote, with Mayor Clem absent (6-0-1),to have staff review the entire
Town Charter for other possible changes and bring it back to council after
completion of the budget process.
6. Pager information - Vice Mayor Webb pointed out that she finds that using the
pager is annoying and not very helpful in receiving essential information and
asked for comments from the other members of Council. There was general
agreement to do away with pagers, most Councilmembers agreeing that Mr. Noe
has been keeping everyone well-informed. It was suggested that the pagers be
donated to the police support group who would have use for them.
7. Proffer monitoring - Vice Mayor Webb asked how the proffers are currently
being monitored. Director of Planning and Zoning Mike Tompkins was present
and advised that the matter has been being studied. That they are currently being
monitored by Zoning Administrator Brian Boucher manually, but that the
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COUNCIL WORKSESSION MINUTES FOR 2/07/2000
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department has been meeting with the Department of Information Technology and
investigating the use of software. A special program is needed and will be put in
the budget. Ms. Webb asked how long before we have such a program. Mr.
Tompkins stated he would report back in a month with additional information
regarding this matter. Ms. Webb asked what triggers disbursements of checks to
Fire and Rescue or any other agency who receive proffer funds? Mr. Tompkins
stated that it is the zoning permit or the occupancy permit.
8. Long-range park and open space plan - Vice Mayor Webb stated a need for a
long-range park and open space plan, commenting on the 1993 Trails and
Greenway plan.. She recommended that this be turned over to the Parks and
Recreation Commission in conjunction with the Planning Commission to look at
open space preservation and future park planning. Councilmember Zoldos
recognized John Elgin, Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Commission. He
agreed with the need for a new study but emphasized the need for it to be done
professionally, because of the scope of the project. Mr. Zoldos also recognized
Director of Parks and Recreation Kaj Dentler who also endorsed the need for a
professional study stating that it would be an exhausting undertaking for staff. He
stated he estimates a cost of $50,000 to 60,000 for a complete study. Mr. Elgin
stated a need for this to be integrated with the existing Town Plan.
Councilmember McDonald expressed a need to also look at the urban growth area
and he feels a sense of commitment from the Board of Supervisors for a central
park and that should be included in this planning for the future. He pointed out
that new census figures will be helpful. This matter will be looked at during the
budget process.
Other items:
Councilmember Jackson asked when the Council will meet with the Boards and
Commissions. Mr. Noe pointed out that the budget review provides a good opportunity
for such meetings if this would be suitable. Vice Mayor Webb stated that this Council
has asked for a work session with the various boards and commissions.
The meeting was adjourned at 8: 12 p.m.
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MINUTES
COUNCIL WORKSESSION
February 22, 2000
Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:00 p.m. Mayor Clem presiding.
Councilmembers Present: Mayor Clem and Councilmembers: George F.
Atwell, Mervin V. Jackson, Leonard McDonald, Kristen C. Umstattd, and
Robert Zoldos Vice Mayor Webb was absent for this meeting.
Staff Members Present: Robert S. Noe, Town Manager, William E. Donnelly,
Town Attorney, Director of Engineering & Public Works Thomas A. Mason,
Director of Parks and Recreation Kaj Dentler, Assistant Town Manager for
Economic Development John H. King, Director of Planning and Zoning Michael
E. Tompkins and Acting Town Clerk Mary Mack.
AGENDA ITEMS
1. Agenda for Council Meeting of Tuesday, February 23, 2000:
Council member Atwell questioned consent agenda items 3, 4 and 5,
stating his concerns that there had not been any discussion by Council
regarding these rather high ticket items. Mr. Noe explained that they were
routine budget items previously approved, but emphasized that discussion
of these matters can occur at Council's direction.
Director of Utilities Randy Shoemaker was present to explain these items.
He clarified that the bid openings had been delayed due to the recent snow
storms and that normally they would have been on the work session held
two weeks prior. He then went on to review they three contracts and
explained the cost savings related to these items.
Council member Umstattd questioned the issuance of water and sewer
permits for the Northlake project. Tom Mason explained that serving this
project was included in the 1984 annexation area agreement.
There were no further questions regarding the agenda.
Mayor Clem took a break to introduce Ms. Doris Haddock, better known as
Granny D, who has walked from Pasadena on her way to Washington, D.C.
for campaign finance reform in Washington. She addressed the Council
and invited everyone to join her on the 29th in her final steps to the United
States Capitol.
COUNCIL WORKSESSION MINUTES FOR 2/22/2000
Page # 2
Mayor Clem then also recognized Bill Zawacki. Mr. Zawacki stated he is a
resident of Chesterfield and asked that Resolution #7 for the performance
guarantee for Dry Mill Townhouse Subdivision be held back stating that the
developer has not met some of the agreements he made with the
Chesterfield H.D.A. and also some of the Board of Architectural
specifications. Mayor Clem asked for staff comments on this matter.
Mayor Clem recognized Tom Mason, who advised that in the past the
Mayor or a representative of the Council has accompanied staff to present
the resolution to VDDT regarding the six-year plan. Mayor Clem stated he
will plan to do this. Councilmember Umstattd thanked Mr. Mason for
including the noise study in the resolution.
Councilmember Zoldos asked Council member McDonald for an update
regarding the Cable Franchise. He advised that there has been a slow-
down and a brief extension may be needed. Susan Farmer is to have a
briefing for the next meeting.
Expansion of flower basket program in downtown Leesburg
Memos from staff suggested that this matter be withdrawn from the
agenda due to the problems getting permission from Bell Atlantic to use
their poles. Councilmember McDonald then asked for consideration of
alternatives to the flower basket program. John King advised that the
business community has become involved and are petitioning Bell Atlantic
for permission to use their poles.
Councilmember Atwell asked if the park benches are still under
consideration. Mr. King outlined how the Department of Economic
Development has been using test benches before making a
recommendation or request for actual placement of the benches, advising
on the matter of upkeep, etc. Councilmember Zoldos asked if there is a
chance for public/private partnership. Mr. King stated he would look into
it.
Meeting with Boards and Commissions
Mr. Noe asked the Council how to proceed with the scheduling of meeting
with the Boards and Commissions. The Council agreed to his suggestion
for one each work session and that it should be first on the agenda
followed by the regular agenda review.
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COUNCIL WORKSESSION MINUTES FOR 2/22/2000
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Councilmember McDonald reported that he had received an application for
the vacancy on the EAC and forwarded it to the clerk for future Council
consideration.
The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
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